What is a BER

A Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate is an indication of the energy performance of a home. A BER certificate is accompanied by an Advisory Report which identifies how you might improve the energy performance of your home.

All new homes built by Niall Linehan Construction are designed to be energy efficient. The Cork based builder will employ a number of modern techniques to ensure the new house have excellent energy ratings and can be awarded a good BER certificate.

BER is the calculated energy use for space and hot water heating, ventilation and lighting based on standard occupancy. A BER is similar to the energy label for a household electrical appliance like your fridge. The label has a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and will tend to have the lowest energy bills.

A BER is compulsory for all homes offered for sale or rent. A BER is also required before a new home is occupied for the first time.

There are exemptions for certain categories of homes, for example, protected structures.

Advertisements must include BER details when a home is offered for sale or rent.

If you are buying or renting a house or apartment, you are entitled to a BER so ask the seller, landlord or agent for it.

BER assessments are completed by registered BER Assessors who have been trained under the National Framework of Qualifications, passed the SEAI BER Assessor exam and have registered with SEAI.

A BER is required under the following circumstances:

The home owner must obtain a BER before a new home is occupied for the first time regardless of whether it is offered for sale or rent.

When a new or existing home is offered for sale or rent the seller / renter must provide a BER to prospective buyers or tenants. BER details must be included in advertisements when a home is offered for sale or rent.

BER assessments performed on new homes also help determine compliance to Part L of the Building Regulations.